Description

The monument comprises a hut circle of later prehistoric date, situated at about 330m above sea level on a terrace of the SW flank of Millhuie Hill.

The hut circle, which represents the remains of a roundhouse dating to about 2000 to 3000 years ago, survives as a circular grass and heather covered bank measuring about 15m in diameter overall and up to 0.3m high. The interior is about 10m across, enclosed by the bank (wall footing) spread up to about 2.5m wide. A gap in the SW side of the bank marks the probable location of the entrance.

The area to be scheduled is circular on plan, centred on the hut circle, to include the hut circle and an area around in which evidence relating to its construction and use may survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

Cultural Significance

The monument's archaeological significance can be expressed as follows:

Intrinsic characteristics: The monument is a well-preserved example of a later prehistoric roundhouse dating to the first or second millennium BC. The non-intensive landuse has resulted in the preservation of upstanding features and, in addition, the probable survival of archaeological deposits relating to the site's construction, use and abandonment. The monument therefore has considerable potential to enhance understanding of later prehistoric roundhouses and the daily lives of the people who occupied them. In addition, it is likely that deposits survive that could provide data relating to the later prehistoric environment.

Contextual characteristics: The monument is a good representative of what may have once been a numerous class. Comparison of local architectural features in hut circles in this area with those of other prehistoric roundhouses in Scotland may enhance our understanding of regional variation in later prehistoric settlement. The close proximity of this monument to two burnt mounds (prehistoric sites associated with baking stones to heat large volumes of water) some 250 to 300m to the S, and another hut circle about 600m to the NW, further enhances the value of this monument.

National Importance

The monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant addition to the understanding of the past, in particular the later prehistoric period. Its relatively good preservation, and its group value when considered with other prehistoric monuments nearby, enhances this potential. The loss of, or damage to, the monument would significantly diminish the capacity of the class to contribute to our understanding of the development of later prehistoric architecture, society, economy in Scotland in general and the prehistory of Western Strathdon in particular.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS record the monument as NJ41NW 96.

References:

RCAHMS 2007, IN THE SHADOW OF BENNACHIE: THE FIELD ARCHAEOLOGY OF DONSIDE, ABERDEENSHIRE, Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland